Planner 1 - Park Board

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function

The Planner I - Urban Forestry leads City-wide initiatives related to urban forestry and urban trees and advocates for retention, expansion and management of the urban forest on public and private land. This role plays a strategic role as the Urban Forestry Department undertakes more proactive community outreach focused on education, stewardship, partnerships and successional planning for various urban forest deficient neighbourhoods. This role acts as a key liaise with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) partners to advance integration of Reconciliation and decolonization efforts into the Vancouver’s Urban Forestry program. The assignment also requires in-depth consultations with senior City and Park planners and the public. The role consults internally with Parks, Engineering, Planning, and Communications; and, through public meetings, external stakeholders: communities, developers, consultants, and educational institutions.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports strategic operational planning initiatives related to Urban Forestry work in Stanley Park and other forest areas in the City of Vancouver such as Jericho Park, Everett Crowley and others;
• Advances inter-governmental relationships and dialogue with First Nations (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) to support Urban Forestry initiatives in Stanley Park related to risk mitigation, forest restoration and forest stewardship;
• Collaborates with Park Board Communications to support real-time updates and status reports for proactive communication and outreach to the community, media and other stakeholders in Stanley Park;
• Updates Urban Forestry Webpage including standards, BMPs, education and support as needed;
• Develops and maintains metrics to forecast planning and operational needs related to equipment and personnel levels appropriate to asset management and risk management commitments;
• Supports planning, implementation and management of ongoing invasive species mapping throughout Vancouver Parks;
• Identifies opportunities and co-ordinates contractors, volunteers and stewardship groups that focus on forest stewardship in Stanley Park and other forested parks;
• Maintains Urban Forestry asset management information to support audits and compliance with policies/protocols;
• Advances urban forestry planning and implementation of Nature-Based Climate Solutions;
• Develops strategies and programs in collaboration with First nations and private-sector for the best end use of urban trees and lumber;
• Liaises with Park Planning and Development to advance correlated policies and strategies;
• Liaises with Planners in outside departments within Parks, Planning and Engineering Services to identify and assess opportunities for urban forestry initiatives including planting, community activation and interim canopy strategies;
• Prepares and presents written and illustrated (PowerPoint) reports to Senior Management, and others as needed;
• Presents reports and recommendations to, and answer questions from elected officials;
• Answers inquiries and correspond with the public;
• Briefs other civic and outside agencies and performs related work as required; and
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation in Planning, recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners, preferably including courses related to Forestry, Biology, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture or related disciplines, and a minimum of one year of professional experience in the park and recreation planning field, some supervisory experience preferred, or a combination of education.
• Registration or eligibility for registration in the Canadian Institute of Planners is preferred or with a professional designation is preferred (i.e. ABCFP, BCSLA, CIP).
• Demonstrated success leading and completing complex planning processes having a community consultation component.
• Experience working within a multi-jurisdictional municipal environment.
• ISA Certification is an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of current urban forestry practices
• Considerable knowledge of arboriculture and tree risk assessment
• Considerable knowledge of current community, land-use, or cultural planning
• Considerable knowledge of contract management and administration
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and other spatial software programs
• Strong project management skills and leadership skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal, facilitation and conflict resolution skills Ability to supervise staff.
• Ability to coordinate work effectively with other sections in the Park Board and with City officials and other interested groups, including citizens' groups.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and experience making presentations to elected representatives, senior staff, and the public
• Demonstrated research skills and ability to set priorities and meet established deadlines
• Ability to perform moderately complex technical research and prepare reports independently.
• Initiative and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: July, 2024
Position End Date: July, 2025
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour
Application Close: May 26, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.